Breast Reduction

I havve been contemplating a breast reduction, as I am a 44 DD and it is very painful on my back and not to mention how the breasts hurt, too.  Now the tendons are starting to get painful, as well and I have to wear a bra, 24/7 in order to feel comfortable.  I am only 5'3" and I look out of proporation compared to rest of my body.  Years ago, I had an abdominoplasty/hernia repair surgery that complications set in and I had to deal with necrotic skin and the recuperation was for 7 1/2 months.  I'm afraid to have any more plastic surgery that something terrible will happen to me and I might end up with necrotic skin on my chest.  Am I being over sensitive?  Should I just forget about the whole thing.  I'm tired of carrying these heavies around all the time, needless to say, I have to get tops in larger sizes, too.  Sometimes it's very difficult to breath and I literally have to hold them up to get some relief.  What should I do?

[Michael B Wolfeld, MD]

The symptoms you are experiencing and the size of your breasts would make you a candidate for a breast reduction procedure.  A breast reduction would likely help your back pain and breathing symptoms.  I understand your concerns regarding your previous surgery and the complications.  You should see a plastic surgeon in your area for a full exam and discussion regarding what may have been the cause of the previous complications.  That plastic surgeon will then decide if it is safe to proceed with another operation.